Red Bluff >> With rain and inclement weather expected to last through the weekend, California Highway Patrol offers the following tips on how to safely travel the roadways this time of year.

According to CHP, many crashes result from driving too fast, so the first and foremost tip is to slow down.

It’s a simple matter of physics that your vehicle can’t stop as fast or turn as accurately on wet or icy pavement. And in fog, reduced speed is equally important because vision is impaired.

Prepare for inclement weather by leaving early, allowing plenty of time to get where you’re going. Make sure your gas tank is full. Always leave ample distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. Check to see that your windshield wipers are in good condition. And don’t forget the law requires you to have your headlights on anytime the windshield wipers are operating continuously. Check in advance highway information and road closures by calling: 1-800- 427-7623 when inside California; (916) 445-1534 when outside California; (877) 687-6237 for Nevada road conditions or visit http://storms.ca.gov/.

If you’re heading to mountain country or anywhere you may encounter snow, bring tire chains, tire chain tighteners, and warm, waterproof clothes. Other items which may prove useful: flares, flashlight and strong batteries, small shovel, windshield scraper, blankets, drinking water and snacks.

Studded tires may be used only between Nov. 1 and April 1 with one exception. The law now allows the use of pneumatic tires with retractable metal-type studs year-round, as long as the studs are retracted between May 1 and Oct. 31. The law prohibits a tire with retractable metal-type studs on a vehicle from being worn to a point that the studs protrude beyond the tire tread when retracted.

If you’re driving in fog, keep headlights on low beam, don’t stop on the roadway except in emergency, move away from a stalled or disabled vehicle, watch for CHP pace vehicles, which may be guiding traffic through fog and consider turning off the road and waiting until the fog eases.

Freeways will often flood nearest to the roadway edges, especially on elevated roadways with walls on both sides. Avoid the outside lanes, especially at night.

Never drive through standing water. You never know how deep the water is, and what may be lurking beneath the surface.